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Throttle Cable Failure Leads to Emergency Landing and Nose-Over (N9578V)

West Bend, WI, US

On March 27, 1989, a Cessna 172M (registration N9578V) operated by Gran Aire, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near West Bend, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The throttle cable had partially failed in such a manner that throttle movement would not operate the throttle arm. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On final approach, the pilot could not increase engine power despite throttle movement. He performed an emergency landing in a field, crossing a power line. After landing, the aircraft nosed over and its tail snagged on a second power line. Investigation found a partially failed throttle cable.

Incident Description

During the final approach to landing, the pilot moved the throttle forward to reduce the rate of descent. However, he was unable to obtain an increase in engine power, even though the engine continued to run. Recognizing the lack of power response, the pilot selected the driest available field for an emergency landing.

On approach to the field, the aircraft crossed over an obstruction—a power line—and subsequently landed. After touchdown, the aircraft encountered soft terrain and began to nose over. As it was crossing under a second power line, the tail of the aircraft snagged on the line. The aircraft then came to rest on its nose.

Examination Findings

An examination of the aircraft revealed that the throttle cable had partially failed. The failure occurred in such a manner that movement of the throttle control would not operate the throttle arm, preventing the pilot from increasing engine power when needed.

Probable cause

The throttle cable had partially failed in such a manner that throttle movement would not operate the throttle arm.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Mar 1989 Cessna 172M accident near West Bend, WI?

On final approach, the pilot could not increase engine power despite throttle movement. He performed an emergency landing in a field, crossing a power line. After landing, the aircraft nosed over and its tail snagged on a second power line. Investigation found a partially failed throttle cable.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Mar 1989 involved a Cessna 172M, registration N9578V, operated by Gran Aire, Inc., at West Bend, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The throttle cable had partially failed in such a manner that throttle movement would not operate the throttle arm.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27854. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.